How I Juggle Blogging With A Full-Time Job

Juggling really is very fitting for the title of this post because that’s what I feel like I’m doing 90% of the time. It’s hard y’know, working 9-5 and then blogging on the side but I do it because I love it, it’s my passion.

In some respects blogging makes me feel personally fulfilled whereas my job makes me feel career fulfilled if that makes sense. Blogging is an escape from reality, it’s where I write about what I want, it’s where I create the deadlines and it’s where I’m my own boss essentially. My career in marketing challenges me, it develops me as a professional, it makes me think in a totally different way to the way I usually would and it allows me to be creative.

I’m not saying blogging doesn’t challenge me or that it doesn’t allow me to be creative but my job does in other ways. My job and blogging almost compliment each other in a way, after all, I did become a blogger through my career in digital so there is a crossover. Things I’ve learnt as a blogger around social media can be applied to my job as a digital marketing executive, for example, so they kind of benefit each other.

It’s really hard managing work-life amongst blogging life and then my social life. I often feel like I’m constantly on the go. If I’m not thinking about how I can improve a clients campaign, I’m thinking about my next piece of content for the blog and it’s really difficult to just switch off from it all, I get so stressed. My life is centred around digital and being online 24/7.

I recently came across an article by Furniture At Work on horoscopes and what each star sign says about your characteristics in the workplace. I’m a Taurus, and apparently, I need stability in my life, but sometimes this stability is out of my control which I can totally agree with! It said I like to feel in control, but need take a step back and realise that being in control of everything isn’t always fun. Weirdly it also said because I need for control, my desk is the tidiest, cleanest one around, and my boss loves you for it, something which I bet my boss will beg to differ with as I’m SO messy! Maybe my horoscope is the reason I am, why I am.

I thought I’d put together a post on how I juggle my full-time job and blogging for anyone struggling with time!

1. Lists

I’m definitely a list person. I like to write down a list of posts that I need to write or take photos for in order of priority. I usually use a big green highlighter when posts are written and scheduled. Also using a calendar or diary to decide when to dedicate time to blogging is something I always do, there’s nothing worse than double booking.

2. Scheduling

I schedule blog posts, I schedule tweets, I schedule Facebook posts, the lot. It saves so much time yet it can be very boring and repetitive. I’m always happy with myself and thank myself when I don’t even have to think about spreading the news about a new post because it’s already been done via Hootsuite. HootSuite is a blogger’s best friend FYI.

3. Dedicated Shooting & Writing Days

Saturdays are usually my shooting day’s. I dedicate a morning or an afternoon to getting all of my blog photos done for the week but with the brighter nights looming it’s becoming easier to get my snaps done straight after work. Thursday evenings are usually my devoted writing time. I finish work, grab my laptop with a cuppa and get brainstorming.

4. Being Time Efficient

I often think to myself there are not enough hours in the day, but there are and there’s a thing called time management. With blogging I have to concentrate on one thing at a time, I really can’t dip my hands in one project and then another. When I’m blogging I try to stay as focused as possible, removing distractions like my phone and social media. If I have a project that needs finishing I’ll try and get 500 words done in my dinner break too, or get up half an hour earlier!

5. Saying No

Sometimes you just have to accept time limitations and be sensible with your capabilities. It’s hard to turn down an opportunity but you need to recognise time limits. It’s all about allowing yourself to manage your projects more efficiently!

26 Comments

Loved this post! It’s so hard to find the balance at times isn’t it – but sounds like you’ve got it down! I do agree that the lighter evenings make things a whole lot easier and I’m definitely more inspired too to create content when the weather is lovely.

Love this! I used to juggle full time work with blogging, but now I only juggle part time work with blogging(and a baby haha) and its certainly challenging! Great tips here! Making time for the dedicated writing and photography days are what keep me a float too i think!

It’s tough fitting it all in isn’t it! I’ve never worked full-time alongside blogging but did used to work part-time whilst looking after 3 kids under 5 and trying to blog so in a round about way know the struggle. It is so easy for it to be all-consuming! You sound like you have the balance right though. Imagine life without scheduling!!??

Love this post – I totally agree with these points as I sometimes struggling with school and blogging. So I usually make lots of lists and write in the evening whilst watching TV, then take all my photos for the week at once. Sarah

First of all, you’re absolutely gorgeous! These tips are so handy! I work part time and I struggle to fit blogging in alongside my busy little life. It’s good to be organised – although I do try and fail every time hahah xxx

It must be hard doing both and trying to find a balance, and then make time for yourself away from being online. I think you’re doing amazing and juggling it wonderfully. Remember to take time out when you need it!